White tie or black tie? Formal or casual? Your guests want to know what you expect them to wear at your destination wedding. It’s okay to dictate a specific dress code. In fact, it’s polite to share your expectations so people aren’t left wondering what to wear.
Destination wedding dress codes run the gamut from tuxedo formal to beach bum casual. Not sure what’s appropriate for your particular soiree? Consider these popular dress code options:
Black Tie Optional
If you want your guests to don their finery for your wedding, consider a “Black Tie Optional” dress code. Guys wear tuxes or suits; girls wear evening gowns. Bear in mind that formal wear is a bit harder to pull off at certain outdoor venues. Crossing a sandy beach in high heels is tantamount to torture, and sweating beneath the tropical sun in a shirt and jacket is no picnic, either.
If your wedding is to take place in an air-conditioned venue, however, a “Black Tie Optional” wedding could be just the thing.
Beach Formal
A “Beach Formal” wedding is classy yet comfortable. Men wear loose-fitting, breathable suits without a tie. Women wear formal or semi-formal dresses in bright colors like sea foam green or sunset yellow.
Thankfully, you won’t see many high-heeled gals struggling through the sand at a beach formal wedding. Pretty, flat sandals work are appropriate attire and they are just fine for traversing beaches.
Beach Chic
Guests at a “Beach Chic” wedding get to cut loose. Instead of wearing a formal or semi-formal gown, women promenade in sundresses or maxi-dresses. Men skip the button-downs and opt for polo shirts and khakis.
Although less formal, “Beach Chic” weddings typically don’t feature guests in shorts or jeans. So if that’s your idea of “chic,” be sure to say so on your invitation.
Festive Attire
Consider a “Festive Attire” wedding if you want your guests to get creative with their casual duds. Hawaiian shirts, wild ties, and funky jewelry get the green light at this type of wedding. It’s an “anything goes” sort of party, and it’s rather trendy right now.
Most people haven’t attended too many destination weddings, and chances are high that some guests won’t know what to expect at yours. Whether you’re planning a formal affair or a come-as-you-are shindig, it’s your job to make sure your guests don’t stress over the “What am I supposed to wear?” question. Make it easy for them to plan and pack by spelling it out on your invitation.